Exodus 9:18-26 Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail… I. THAT THE MATERIAL UNIVERSE IS GIFTED WITH NUMEROUS AND CONTRARY AGENCIES AND ELEMENTS. 1. The elements of nature called into exercise by this plague were numerous. There was rain, hail, fire and thunder. 2. The elements of nature called into existence by this plague were contrary. The rain was contrary to the fire. There are very opposite elements in the great universe around us; yet all exist in harmony. One element counteracts and yet co-operates with another. The elements of nature blend in one glorious ministry for man; though sin often turns them into messengers of justice. 3. The elements of nature called into existence by this plague were emphatic. When the elements of the material universe are arrayed against man they are emphatic in their message. The thunder speaks in loud voice. It has a message to the soul. There is a moral significance in the storm. II. THAT GOD HAS COMPLETE CONTROL OVER ALL THE ELEMENTS OF THE MATERIAL UNIVERSE. 1. So that He can commission His servants to use them according to His will. 2. So that He can make them rebuke the sin of man. He can arm the universe against a wicked soul. 3. God can prevent them from working injury to the good. The heathen imagined that divers Gods were over divers things; some ruling the air, some the fire, some the water, some the mountains, and some the plains. But God here demonstrates to the Egyptians His complete authority over the whole of nature. This truth is consoling to the good. III. THAT THE MATERIAL PROSPERITY OF A NATION IS GREATLY DEPENDENT UPON THE ELEMENTS OF NATURE, AND THAT THEREFORE GOD ALONE CAN GIVE TRUE PROSPERITY TO A PEOPLE. 1. The fields and gardens of Egypt were ruined. 2. The flax and barley of Egypt were ruined. Egypt was from early times the granary of the world (Genesis 12:57). And thus we see how the prosperity of a nation is dependent upon the natural government of God in the material world. Let rulers remember this. And let not the people forget it. Sin is a curse to any nation. National righteousness is national prosperity and elevation.Lessons: 1. That the material universe is under the rule of God. 2. That the good are Divinely protected in danger. 3. The national prosperity is the gift of heaven. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now. |
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